INSIDER
Utah redistricting maps underscore independent-panel hurdles
Read full article: Utah redistricting maps underscore independent-panel hurdlesNew redistricting maps that largely ignore a voter-approved nonpartisan commission in Utah are sparking a backlash and highlighting the challenges the independent panels face an era of deep political divisions and surging gerrymandering.
House backs bill to boost 'clean energy,' enhance efficiency
Read full article: House backs bill to boost 'clean energy,' enhance efficiency(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)WASHINGTON – The House has approved a modest bill to promote “clean energy” and increase energy efficiency while phasing out the use of coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators that are considered a major driver of global warming. The House approved the bill, 220-185, Thursday, sending it to the Senate, where a separate energy bill is pending. The Senate bill, like the House measure, would phase out hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, used as coolants, after an internal dispute among Senate Republicans was resolved earlier this month. It also boosts electric cars and programs to finance clean energy projects. House Republicans disputed that, saying the bill would cost more than $135 billion while including no serious reforms.
Congress passes sprawling plan to boost conservation, parks
Read full article: Congress passes sprawling plan to boost conservation, parksSupporters say the measure, known as the Great American Outdoors Act, would be the most significant conservation legislation enacted in nearly 50 years. Supporters say the measure, known as the Great American Outdoors Act, would be the most significant conservation legislation enacted in nearly half a century. Supporters say the bill will create at least 100,000 jobs, while restoring national parks and repairing trails and forest systems. Gardner and Daines are among the Senates most vulnerable incumbents, and each represents a state where the outdoor economy and tourism at sites such as Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone national parks play an outsize role. Visitors cannot enjoy national parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite if the bathrooms dont work, if the trails and campgrounds arent open, or if the roads are in disrepair, Heinrich said.
Administration skips hearing on violence against protesters
Read full article: Administration skips hearing on violence against protestersThe White House, however, trumpeted the administration's continuing support of law officers in the now subsiding protests. If there was a shred of evidence, the administration would have presented fact witnesses to support this gaslighting, Rep. Jared Huffman, a California Democrat, said. The clearing of Lafayette Square is the subject of an Interior Department inspector-generals review and at least one lawsuit brought by those wounded. At a separate briefing Monday, a House Oversight subcommittee addressed the treatment of protesters and journalists at demonstrations across the country, including Lafayette Square. The administration has denied that authorities forced protesters from the square that day so Trump could stage a law-and-order photo op nearby, clinching an upheld Bible.
Here are the lawmakers not seeking reelection to Congress in 2020
Read full article: Here are the lawmakers not seeking reelection to Congress in 2020Rep. Paul Mitchell of Michigan announced on July 24, 2019, in a House floor speech that he will not seek reelection. Rep. Pete Olson of Texas announced on July 25, 2019, in a statement that he will not run for reelection in 2020. Rep. Martha Roby of Alabama announced on July 26, 2019, that she will not seek reelection for a sixth congressional term in 2020. Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois announced on August 30, 2019, that he will not seek reelection in 2020. Rep. Bill Flores of Texas announced on September 4, 2019, that he will not seek reelection in 2020.